04 March 2024 , 03:00
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Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill were both left stunned as Xavier Worthy smashed the NFL Combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard-dash time, with the two superstars describing it as "crazy."
Worthy's impressive time was clocked in on his second attempt, after initially running a 4. 25, which was still faster than everyone else at the event. The former Texas wide receiver's time was first unofficially recorded at 4.22, but was updated when the official score came out.
His 40-yard dash time beat the previous record of 4.22 set by ex-Cincinnati Bengals WR John Ross in 2017. Now, Worthy could be picked anywhere from the second round to a late selection in the draft, and he might even climb to the first round.
His amazing speed also got lots of attention from other NFL stars on social media, who were impressed by his record-breaking run. Hill, widely regarded as the NFL's fastest player, tweeted: "4.2 is crazy, sheesh."
Even though he's known for his speed, Hill didn't take part in the NFL Scouting Combine when he was at college. Instead, he showed off his speed during his Pro Day at West Alabama, where he ran the 40-yard dash in an unofficial time between 4. 29 and 4.35.
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Mahomes was also wowed by Worthy's speed, tweeting: "4.25 is crazy." He later corrected himself with the right number in another tweet after Worthy's second run, leading Chiefs fans to suggest drafting the Texas receiver.
Looking ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chiefs have a strong line-up of draft picks. They've got a first-round pick at No.32 overall, a second-round pick at No. 64, a third-round pick at No.95, a fourth-round pick at No. 133, and two fifth-round picks at No.158 and No. 172.
Xavier Worthy sets the NFL Scouting Combine 40-yard dash record (Getty)Many feel the Chiefs need to strengthen their wide receiver positions. There are worries about the team's pass-catchers, who dropped 44 of the 597 passes thrown by Mahomes last season - that's a drop rate of nearly 7 percent.
Worthy had a great season last year, playing in 14 games and catching 75 passes for 1,014 yards and five touchdowns. His total yardage was the second-highest in the Big 12, and he averaged 72.4 yards per game - the fourth-best in the conference.
In 2022, Worthy was named as a second-team All-Big 12 selection at wide receiver by the Big 12 Conference head coaches and the Associated Press. He was also shortlisted for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, and Biletnikoff Award. Plus, he was named a First Team All-SEC Punt Returner.